Volume 7, 2007, Paper 1
Paper 1: Attitudes of tertiary key decision-makers towards
English language tests in Aotearoa New Zealand: Report on the
results of a national provider survey
Authors
Hilary Smith
Systemetrics Research
Stephen Haslett
Massey University
This study surveys all tertiary institutions in Aotearoa New
Zealand to understand the attitudes of decision-makers towards the
English language tests used as entry to their programs.
ABSTRACT
A survey of all public and private tertiary institutions in
Aotearoa New Zealand was conducted to investigate the attitudes of
tertiary decision-makers towards English language tests being used
as entry to their programs. Results showed that the extensive and
rapid changes in the tertiary environment in Aotearoa New Zealand
means that it is now characterised by diversity, resulting in a
wide variety of types of English language requirements for
different courses. Many tertiary institutions are actively
recruiting international students, and are moving away from rigid
gate-keeping English language policies to more flexible ‘pathways’
to proficiency. There is an increased interest in the use of a
range of English language assessment methods to give a fuller
picture of students’ abilities. IELTS is the most frequently used
test, and the IELTS ‘brand’ is well-known, but its use in
high-stakes situations means that it has taken on a symbolic value
beyond its function as an indicator of language proficiency.
Decision-making on English language thresholds is made in a wide
variety of ways and at a wide variety of institutional levels. A
number of decision-makers at tertiary institutions have said they
would appreciate more information about test results from test
providers. There is potential for greater liaison on language
proficiency issues between course providers and external industry
standard-setting bodies.
